TWI424148B - Small form-factor distance sensor - Google Patents

Description

Small form factor distance sensor

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining the distance from a mobile device to a remote object or the size of the remote object.

The device can measure the distance to the distal surface by measuring the propagation time of the acoustic energy, light energy, infrared (IR) energy, and/or radio frequency (RF) energy projected onto the distal surface and reflected back to the device. For example, a handheld device can project a beam of light a few meters away to measure its distance. Unfortunately, the angle at which such devices are aligned with the surface typically affects the distance measurement. Additionally, such devices typically measure the distance to a point on the surface to which the device is aimed, which is not necessarily the point on the surface that is closest to the device.

In one particular implementation, a method includes rotating a rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy to a distal surface, wherein the rotatable micro-reflector can be placed in a mobile device, and wherein the rotation is relative to the action And measuring the distance based at least in part on the reflected energy from the distal surface that is derived from the directed energy. However, it should be understood that this is merely an exemplary implementation and that the claimed subject matter is not limited to this particular implementation.

The use of "a" or "an" or "an" or "an" or "an" or "an" And / or examples. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " In addition, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples and/or features.

In one implementation, a handheld device such as a cellular telephone, PDA, and the like can include a distance sensor for determining the shortest distance to the distal surface. For example, such distance sensors can include transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving acoustic energy, optical energy, IR energy, and/or RF energy; for determining the emitted energy when transmitting energy to and from the distal surface a time module of propagation time; and a processor adapted to determine the distance to a plurality of points on the surface. In particular, such a distance sensor can determine the closest or shortest distance to a plurality of determined distances to the surface. Additionally, such distance sensors can have a sufficiently small form factor to fit in a handheld device such as a cellular phone or PDA. In a particular implementation, the distance sensor can be capable of emitting acoustic energy, light energy, IR energy, and/or RF energy at multiple angles. Individual angles may correspond to specific distance measurement points on the distal surface, respectively. Determining the distance to the distal surface along individual angles can result in multiple distance measurements. The shortest distance in such measurements may correspond to the shortest distance to the distal surface, as explained in more detail below. Such an implementation may be useful, for example, if a handheld device including a distance sensor that makes such distance measurements is held at an oblique angle to the distal surface. In this case, only the distance measurement along the tilt angle may not necessarily include the shortest distance to the distal surface. This idea is discussed below with reference to Figures 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a distance sensor 100 for measuring the distance to surface 140, in accordance with an implementation. Such distance sensors can be placed in a handheld device such as a cellular telephone, as mentioned above. In one particular implementation, distance sensor 100 can transmit and receive acoustic energy including substantially oriented acoustic waves with sub-audio or super-audio. In another particular implementation, the distance sensor 100 can transmit and receive electromagnetic (EM) energy including RF radiation and/or laser light having a visible or IR wavelength. Of course, such descriptions of acoustic energy and EM energy are merely examples, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. The distance sensor 100 can emit such energy 110 to a point 130 on the surface 140. Energy 110 may include energy pulses, such as relatively short wave trains of acoustic energy and/or EM energy with start and end times. For example, such pulses can be encoded to provide a means for distinguishing multiple received pulses from each other. Subsequently, energy 120 reflected from surface 140 can be returned to distance sensor 100, where a measurement of the elapsed time between transmission and reception at the receiver can be performed. Such elapsed time can be referred to as propagation time. Using knowledge about the speed of the acoustic energy and/or EM energy emitted and received by the distance sensor and the measured propagation time, the distance from the distance sensor to the distal surface can be determined. As shown in FIG. 1B, the distance sensor 100 can be held at an oblique angle 125 relative to the surface 140. For example, such angles may not be perpendicular to the distal surface 140. At such angles, the distance sensor 100 may emit energy 150 to a point 170 on the surface 140, although the point 180 may be the point on the surface 140 that is closest to the sensor 100. Accordingly, the transmitted energy 150 and the reflected energy 160 along the angle 125 may travel a greater distance relative to the distance to the nearest point 180. Unfortunately, the resulting measured distance to surface 140 may be greater than the closest distance to surface 140. In certain implementations, the user may operate such distance sensors placed in the handheld device at an oblique angle without knowing such tilt angles, as even relatively imperceptible relatively small tilt angles may introduce significant Distance measurement error. In another particular implementation, the distance sensor can be capable of emitting acoustic energy and/or EM energy at a plurality of angles such that whether or not the distance sensor is held at an oblique angle relative to the surface can be determined to The closest distance to the distal surface is as discussed in detail below.

2 is a diagram of a handheld device 210 that measures several distances to surface 220 in accordance with an implementation. The handheld device 210 can include a cellular phone, a PDA, and the like and includes a distance sensor 230. Such a distance sensor as mentioned above may have a small form factor to enable the distance sensor to be mated in the handheld device 210. As shown in FIG. 2, such distance sensor 230 can emit acoustic energy and/or EM energy to a plurality of distance measuring points on surface 220 along a plurality of angles. In a particular implementation, the distance sensor 230 can include one or more rotatable micro-reflectors mounted on the semiconductor device. Such a rotatable micromirror, explained in more detail below, may for example provide the small form factor mentioned above. Of course, such a description of the distance sensor in conjunction with the handheld device 210 is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. In an example, the user 240 may inadvertently hold the handheld device 210 at an oblique angle relative to the surface 220 to direct the energy beam D1 to the surface 220. However, the energy beam D1 may not be directed to the point on the surface 220 that is closest to the handheld device 210 such that the resulting distance measurement may be greater than such measurements to the nearest point.

In searching for such distances to the nearest point, the distance sensor 230 can then redirect the energy beam D2 to another point on the surface 220 to measure the distance to the surface 220 along the direction of the energy beam D2. Such a redirection process can continue, such as for energy beam D3 and energy beam D4. After such a process, the distance sensor 230 may have measured a plurality of distances to the surface 220 in multiple directions. Accordingly, the shortest measured distance may correspond to the shortest distance to surface 220. In a particular implementation, the accuracy of measuring the shortest distance to the surface can be improved by increasing the number of distance measurements to the surface while redirecting the energy beam via a smaller angle, as described in more detail below. The general discussion. Of course, such a process of the distance sensor is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

3 is a flow diagram of a process 300 for determining the shortest distance to a surface, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating distance measurement points for the shortest distance determination on surface 400 in accordance with one implementation. A distance sensor, such as distance sensor 100 shown in FIG. 1, can sequentially emit, for example, acoustic energy and/or to points 430A, 430B, 430C, and 430D that are substantially linearly disposed along line 410. Energy such as EM energy. The direction along which the first point 430A and line 410 are located may be based, at least in part, on the orientation of the distance sensor, which may be held by a user who can select such a direction. Fig. 2 may, for example, illustrate a situation in which such a direction may be selected at least partially randomly since the user can manually hold the distance sensor. The particular direction of line 410 need not be important in process 300, as explained in detail below. At block 310, an initial point 430A on line 410 can be selected and its distance can be measured. At block 320, a portion of the distance sensor, such as the transmitter portion, can be rotated by a step angle to transmit energy to the subsequent point 430B. The step angle of such rotation and the corresponding spacing between points 430A and 430B on surface 400 can be selected based, at least in part, on the desired resolution and/or accuracy of a particular process 300, as discussed in detail below. Such step angles may include constant values that are used to transmit subsequent rotation of energy until the direction of such rotation is reversed, as generally described at block 360 below.

Subsequently, at block 330, at least a portion of the energy emitted to point 430B can be reflected back to the distance sensor where the reflected energy can be received. The distance to point 430B can be determined based, at least in part, on the measured propagation time of the transmitted/received energy. At block 340, a determination can be made as to whether the subsequently measured distance, for example, to point 430B is greater than a previously measured distance, such as to point 430A. If not, the process 300 can return to block 320 where a portion of the distance sensor can again rotate the same step angle as the step angle of the previous rotation to direct energy to the subsequent point 430C. Again, at block 340, a determination can be made as to whether the subsequently measured distance, for example, to point 430C is greater than the last measured distance, for example, to point 430B. If not, process 300 may again return to block 320 where the transmitter portion of the distance sensor may again rotate the same step angle as the step angle of the previous rotation to direct energy to subsequent point 430D. Such a process of directing energy to points on the surface, rotating step angles, directing energy to another point on the surface, etc., may be repeated each time the subsequently measured distance is less than the previously measured distance. Such an iterative process may allow the angle of incidence of the proximity sensor to approximate the point on surface 400 that is closest to the distance sensor along line 410. The measured distance to such a point may be referred to as a relative minimum because the measured distance may be the smallest of the measured distances to points along line 410. Conversely, if the most recently measured distance is greater than the previously measured distance, an indication may be made that the angle of incidence of the proximity sensor has exceeded such a point on line 410.

In the current example illustrated in FIG. 4, the distance to point 430D measured at block 330 is greater than the measured distance to point 430C, as determined at block 340. Accordingly, at block 350, a determination can be made, for example, as to whether the angle of rotation corresponds to a resolution limit imposed on the distance sensor. If not, a search for a distance to a point on the surface 400 that is shorter than the distance to the point 430D can be performed. Such a point corresponding to a shorter distance can be assumed to be on line 410 between point 430C and point 430D. Accordingly, as generally at block 360, the emitter portion of the distance sensor can have its direction of rotation reversed and its step angle reduced, for example, by half or from other fractions of previous step angles. Of course, other step angle reductions are possible, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. In this manner, the distance to point 430E can be determined as generally at block 330. At block 340, a determination can be made as to whether a subsequently measured distance, such as to point 430E, is greater than a previously measured distance, such as to point 430D. If so, at block 350, a determination can be made, for example, as to whether the current angle of rotation corresponds to a resolution limit imposed on the distance sensor. If not, a search can be performed for a distance that is shorter than the distance to point 430E from the point on surface 400. However, if such a resolution limit is reached, then the process for searching for the closest point on surface 400 along line 420 that is substantially orthogonal to line 410 can be performed as generally performed at block 370.

In a particular implementation, line 420 that is generally orthogonal to line 410 may, for example, result in a relatively faster process for determining the closest point on surface 400, as compared to a condition in which line 420 is at an oblique angle to line 410. Such orthogonality may provide a high efficiency process for measuring points on surface 400 in a trial and error manner until the closest distance is determined. The process at block 370 may, for example, include actions similar to those of blocks 310 through 360. In particular, the transmitter can be rotated to direct energy to point 440A so that the distance to this point can be determined. Continuing with the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the transmitter may rotate the step angle to direct energy to point 440B after determining that the distance to point 440A is greater than the distance to point 430E. As described above for the process for determining the distance to point 430C, point 430D, and point 430E, the distance to point 440C, point 440D, and point 440E can be measured to determine the closest point along line 420 on surface 400. The measured distance to such a point may be referred to as a relative minimum because the measured distance may be the smallest of the measured distances to points along line 420. Since line 420 can include point 430E that has been determined to be the closest point along line 410 on surface 400, the closest point along line 420 can be selected as generally at block 380 for surface 400 to fall within the measurement resolution limit. The closest point within. In the example illustrated in Figure 4, point 440E is the closest point.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a distance sensor 500 for measuring distances to a plurality of distance measurement points on surface 550, according to one implementation. After receiving the energy emitted from the emitter 510, the rotatable reflector 520 can direct energy 540 to various distance measurement points on the surface 550 via the opening 530. Processor 508 can transmit information to rotation controller 525, which can send a signal to rotatable reflector 520 that at least partially determines the angular position of the rotatable reflector. In one particular implementation, the rotatable reflector 520 can include a reflector for reflecting the EM energy emitted by the emitter 510. Such a reflector can be rotated, for example, by a stepper motor that receives signals from the rotation controller 525. In another particular implementation, the rotatable reflector 520 can include an array of micro-reflectors for reflecting the EM energy emitted by the emitter 510. The angle of reflection of such an array can be determined, for example, at least in part by signals from the rotation controller 525 that operate on the plurality of micro-reflectors in the array. The rotation controller 525 can consistently operate such a micro-reflector array such that the plurality of micro-reflectors have the same angle of reflection or the individual micro-reflectors can have different angles of reflection from each other, as will be discussed below. In yet another particular implementation, the rotatable reflector 520 and emitter 510 can be combined into a rotating emitter (not shown) to direct acoustic energy at various angles. The angle of such a rotary transmitter can be determined, for example, at least in part by signals from the rotation controller 525 that can operate a motor, such as a stepper motor. Of course, such transmitters are merely examples, and claimed subject matter is not so limited.

In one implementation, the rotatable reflector 520 can include two or more rotational degrees of freedom that are orthogonal to one another. For example, as shown, the rotatable reflector 520 can include rotational degrees of freedom in the plane of FIG. Additionally, the rotatable reflector 520 can include rotational degrees of freedom (not shown) that are perpendicular to the plane of FIG. Accordingly, the rotatable reflector 520 can reflect energy 540 along one or more directions across the surface 550, such as orthogonal lines 410 and lines 420 on the surface 400 in FIG.

Receiver 515 can receive energy 545 reflected from surface 550 after the propagation delay from when energy 540 is transmitted from transmitter 510. Such delays may be measured by time module 505, which may, for example, monitor signals transmitted from processor 508 to transmitter 510 that cause the transmitter to begin transmitting energy 540. Accordingly, time module 505 can measure the time difference between the energy 540 being emitted and the energy 545 being received. Of course, such a method for measuring the propagation time of energy is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. Returning to FIG. 5, user I/O 518 can provide user access and/or control to distance sensor 500 via processor 508.

In one implementation, the emitter may, for example, comprise a mechanically rotatable reflector capable of directing acoustic energy, light energy, IR energy and/or RF energy to a surface to be measured at a plurality of angles. Such a rotatable reflector may comprise a micro-reflector device, such as a micro-mirror array, also referred to as a digital mirror device, mounted on a semiconductor device. Depending on which type of energy is to be reflected, such rotatable reflectors can include various coatings and/or treatments to increase reflectivity. Such rotatable reflectors can also include various reflective surface shapes such as planar, spherical, parabolic, concave, convex reflective surface shapes, and the like. Such a rotatable reflector can have a relatively small form factor, such as in particular allowing the rotatable reflector to be fitted in a hand-held device. Of course, such a micro-reflector device is only an example of a small form factor rotatable reflector, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

6 is a schematic diagram of a transmitter system 600 for simultaneously emitting light energy in multiple directions, according to one implementation. Such a system may, for example, be included in a distance sensor such as distance sensor 500 shown in FIG. The transmitter system 600 can include a transmitter 610 configured to emit light energy 615 that includes a plurality of wavelengths, such as a first wavelength and a second wavelength. Light energy 615 from emitter 610 can encounter wavelength separator 618 configured to divide the light energy into distinct wavelengths. Accordingly, the light energy 615 can be divided into a light beam 630 having a first wavelength and a light beam 640 having a second wavelength. The micro-reflector array 620 can include micromirrors, such as their micromirrors of the digital mirror device whose angles can be individually set. Such divided beams may travel along substantially the same path or a bifurcated path, although in either case such beams may be incident on one or more portions of the micro-reflector array 620.

In a particular implementation, for example, a portion of the micro-reflector array 620 can be set at a first angle while another portion can be set at a second angle. Thus, beam 630 can be reflected at a first angle, resulting in beam 635, and beam 640 can be reflected at a second angle, resulting in beam 645. Beam 635 can be projected onto the surface 650 at a distance measurement point along the first line, and beam 645 can be projected onto surface 650 at a distance measurement point along a second line that is orthogonal to the first line. The first line and the second line may, for example, be similar to orthogonal lines 410 and lines 420 on surface 400 of FIG. 4 that may be used in process 300 of FIG. In this way, the distance to the points along the first line and the second line can be simultaneously measured, thereby shortening the time it takes to measure the closest distance to the surface 650. The plurality of wavelengths and/or encoded pulses of beam 635 and beam 645 may allow a receiver (not shown) to separate the reflection of beam 635 from surface 650 from the reflection of beam 645 from surface 650. Such a receiver can measure the propagation time of beam 635 and beam 645, as discussed above. Of course, such a method for dividing energy to distinguish among a plurality of energy beams reflected from a surface is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

In another implementation, a handheld device such as a cellular telephone, PDA, and the like can include a size sensor for determining the distance between two points on the surface of the distal object. If the two points correspond to the edges of such a distal object, the distance between the two points may, for example, include the size of the object. Such size sensors may include distance sensors including transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving acoustic energy, light energy, IR energy and/or RF energy, and for transmitting energy to and from The time module of the distal surface that determines the propagation time of the emitted energy. The size sensor can also include a dedicated processor that is adapted to determine the distance to a point on the surface and to use such a determined distance to calculate the distance between two such points. Additionally, such size sensors can have a sufficiently small form factor to fit in a handheld device such as a cellular phone or PDA. In a particular implementation, the distance sensor can be capable of emitting acoustic energy, light energy, IR energy, and/or RF energy at multiple angles. Individual angles may correspond to specific distance measurement points on the distal surface, respectively. Determining the distance to the distal surface along individual angles can result in multiple distance measurements. For example, two such measurements can be used to calculate the distance between two corresponding points on the distal surface.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a user 720 holding the handheld device 740 at a distance from the distal surface 750. According to an implementation, the handheld device can include a distance sensor 730 that measures several distances to the surface 750. Such distance sensors may include a portion of a distance sensor placed in a handheld device 740, such as a cellular telephone, as generally mentioned above. In one particular implementation, similar to the distance sensor 100 shown in FIG. 1, the distance sensor 730 can transmit and receive acoustic energy including substantially oriented acoustic waves with sub-audio or super-audio. In another particular implementation, the distance sensor 730 can transmit and receive electromagnetic (EM) energy including RF radiation and/or laser light having a visible or IR wavelength. Of course, such descriptions of acoustic energy and EM energy are merely examples, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. Likewise, similar to the distance sensor 100 shown in FIG. 1, the distance sensor 730 can emit such energy to points 705 and/or points 710 on the surface 750. Such energy may include energy pulses, such as relatively short wave trains of acoustic energy and/or EM energy with start and end times. For example, such pulses can be encoded to provide a means for distinguishing multiple received pulses from each other. Subsequently, the energy reflected from surface 750 can be returned to distance sensor 730 where a measurement of the elapsed time between transmission and reception at the receiver can be performed. Such elapsed time can be referred to as propagation time. Using knowledge about the speed of the acoustic energy and/or EM energy emitted and received by the distance sensor and the measured propagation time, the distance from the distance sensor to the distal surface can be determined. As shown in FIG. 7, the distance sensor 730 can be gripped at an oblique angle 725 relative to the surface 750. For example, such angles need not be perpendicular to the distal surface 750. At such angles, the distance sensor 730 can be adapted to emit energy to a point 705 or point 710 on the surface 750 without the user 720 changing the position of the distance sensor 730. In other words, the distance sensor 730 can redirect the transmitted energy in various directions without rotating the handheld device 740.

FIG. 8 is a detailed diagram of a handheld device 840 that measures several distances to surface 850 in accordance with an implementation. Handheld device 840 can include a cellular phone, a PDA, and the like and includes a distance sensor 830. Such a sensor as mentioned above may have a small form factor to enable the sensor to be mated in the handheld device 840. As shown in FIG. 8, such distance sensor 830 can emit acoustic energy and/or EM energy to a plurality of distance measuring points on surface 850 along a plurality of angles. In a particular implementation, the distance sensor 830 can include one or more rotatable micro-reflectors mounted on the semiconductor device. Such a rotatable micromirror, explained in more detail below, may for example provide the small form factor mentioned above. Of course, such a description of the distance sensor in conjunction with the handheld device 840 is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. In an example, the user 820 can hold the handheld device 840 toward the surface 850 to direct the energy beam along the distance D1 to the point 805 on the surface 850 to measure the distance D1. The distance sensor 830 can then redirect the energy beam along a distance D2 to another point 810 on the surface 850 to measure the distance along the D2 direction to the surface 850. Such redirected angles 825 can be measured by distance sensor 830, as explained in detail below. After such a process for measuring distance D1 and distance D2, distance sensor 830 can calculate the distance D3 between two points 805 and 810 on surface 850. Such calculations may involve measuring distance D1 and distance D2 and measuring angle 825. Of course, such processes involving distance sensors are merely examples, and claimed subject matter is not so limited.

9 is a flow diagram of a process 900 for determining a distance to a distal surface in accordance with an implementation. Returning to the implementation shown in FIG. 8, such a surface may, for example, include a surface 850. At block 910, the user 820 holding the handheld device 840 can direct energy to a first point 805 on the surface. Such energy may be emitted, for example, by a transmitter included in the distance sensor 830 onboard the handheld device. As described above, the transmitter can emit an energy beam to the first point. Accordingly, at block 920, the distance D1 to the first point can be measured. In one particular implementation, the user 820 can select a first point along an edge (not shown) of the object and then select a second point along the opposite edge of the object to measure the size of the object. In another particular implementation, the user can select the first point and the second point anywhere on the surface of the object to measure the distance between the two points. Returning to process 900, at block 930, the distance sensor 830 can include one or more micro-reflectors (Figs. 11 and 12) that can be rotated to redirect the measurement direction toward the second point. Such rotation may be performed, for example, by the user 820 initiating one or more controls (not shown) on the handheld device 840. Such a control can actuate the rotation of the one or more micro-reflectors. A rotation angle such as angle 825 shown in Figure 8 can be measured and stored by a distance sensor. In certain implementations, the user can hold the handheld device substantially in place in a position to align the handheld device with the first point. At block 940, the user can use the redirected energy to measure the distance to the second point. At block 950, using the measured distance to the first point and the second point and the angle of rotation of the micro-reflector from the first point to the second point, the first point can be calculated using a geometric relationship such as cosine law The distance from the second point.

10 is a flow diagram of a process 1000 for determining a distance to a distal surface in accordance with an implementation. Returning again to the implementation shown in FIG. 8, such a surface may, for example, include a surface 850. At block 1010, the user 820 holding the handheld device 840 can align the transmitter with a first point 805 on the surface, which transmitter can be included, for example, in the distance sensor 830 onboard the handheld device. As described above, the transmitter can emit an energy beam to the first point. Accordingly, at block 1020, the distance D1 to the first point can be measured. At block 1030, the user 820 can rotate the handheld device 840 to rotate the transmitted energy beam toward the second point to measure the distance D2 to the second point. In a particular implementation, the distance sensor 830 can include a transducer that measures the angle and/or direction, such as a goniometer and/or a compass. Using such a transducer, an angle, such as angle 825, of the handheld device 840 rotated from the direction of the first point to the direction of the second point can be measured. The distance sensor 830 can then store such angles. At block 1040, the user can use the redirected energy to measure the distance to the second point. At block 1050, using the measured distance to the first point and the second point and the angle of rotation of the handheld device from the first point to the second point, the first point can be calculated using a geometric relationship such as cosine law The distance from the second point is as mentioned above.

11 is a schematic diagram of a mobile device 1100 including a distance sensor for measuring distances to a plurality of distance measurement points on surface 1150, in accordance with one implementation. Such mobile devices may include a two-way communication system 1128 that may transmit and receive signals via antenna 1122, such as a cellular communication system, Bluetooth, RFID, and/or WiFi, just to name a few examples. After receiving the energy emitted from the emitter 1110, the rotatable reflector 1120 can direct the energy 1140 to various distance measurement points on the surface 1150 via the opening 1130. The dedicated processor 1108 can transmit information to the rotation controller 1125, which can send a signal to the rotatable reflector 1120 that at least partially determines the angular position of the rotatable reflector. In one particular implementation, the rotatable reflector 1120 can include a reflector for reflecting the EM energy emitted by the emitter 1110. Such a reflector can be rotated, for example, by a stepper motor that receives signals from the rotation controller 1125. In another particular implementation, the rotatable reflector 1120 can include an array of micro-reflectors for reflecting the EM energy emitted by the emitter 1110. The angle of reflection of such an array can be determined, for example, at least in part by signals from the rotation controller 1125 that operate a plurality of micro-reflectors in the array. The rotation controller 1125 can operate such a micro-reflector array consistently such that the plurality of micro-reflectors have substantially the same angle of reflection or the individual micro-reflectors can have different angles of reflection from each other, as will be discussed below. In yet another particular implementation, the rotatable reflector 1120 and emitter 1110 can be combined into a rotating emitter (not shown) to direct acoustic energy at various angles. The angle of such a rotary transmitter can be determined, for example, at least in part by signals from a rotary controller 1125 that can operate a motor, such as a stepper motor. Of course, such transmitters are merely examples, and claimed subject matter is not so limited.

Receiver 1115 can receive energy 1145 reflected from surface 1150 after the propagation delay from when energy 1140 is transmitted from transmitter 1110. Such delays may be measured by time module 1105, which may, for example, monitor signals transmitted from processor 1108 to transmitter 1110 that cause the transmitter to begin transmitting energy 1140. Accordingly, the time module 1105 can measure the time difference between the energy 1140 being transmitted and the energy 1145 being received. Of course, such a method for measuring the propagation time of energy is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. Returning to FIG. 11 , user I/O 1118 can provide user access and/or control to distance sensor 1100 via processor 1108 . For example, such control can include rotation control of the rotatable reflector 1120 to redirect energy 1140 from a first point on the surface to a second point on the surface, as generally described above.

In an implementation, an emitter such as emitter 1110 may, for example, comprise a mechanically rotatable reflector capable of directing acoustic, optical, IR, and/or RF energy at a plurality of angles to a surface to be measured. . Such a rotatable reflector may comprise a micro-reflector device, such as a micro-mirror array, also referred to as a digital mirror device, mounted on a semiconductor device. Depending on which type of energy is to be reflected, such rotatable reflectors can include various coatings and/or treatments to increase reflectivity. Such rotatable reflectors can also include various reflective surface shapes such as planar, spherical, parabolic, concave, convex reflective surface shapes, and the like. Such a rotatable reflector can have a relatively small form factor, such as in particular allowing the rotatable reflector to be fitted in a hand-held device. Of course, such a micro-reflector device is only an example of a small form factor rotatable reflector, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

12 is a schematic diagram of a mobile device 1200 including a distance sensor for measuring distances to a plurality of distance measurement points on surface 1250, in accordance with one implementation. Such mobile devices may include a two-way communication system 1228 that can transmit and receive signals via antenna 1222, such as a cellular communication system, Bluetooth, RFID, and/or WiFi, to name a few examples. Upon receipt of the energy emitted from the transmitter 1210, the reflector 1220, which may be fixed with respect to the mobile device, may direct energy 1240 to various distance measurement points on the surface 1250 via the opening 1230. Dedicated processor 1208 can receive information from one or more transducers 1260 that are adapted to measure angles in various motion planes. For example, transducer 1260 can include one or more compasses and/or goniometers. Accordingly, such information communicated from the transducer 1260 to the processor 1208 can include the angle of rotation of the mobile device 1200. In a particular implementation, the reflector 1220 can include an array of micro-reflectors for reflecting the EM energy emitted by the emitter 1210. Of course, such descriptions of the mobile device are merely examples, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

Similar to the process described with respect to FIG. 11, receiver 1215 can receive energy 1245 reflected from surface 1250 after the propagation delay from when energy 1240 is transmitted from transmitter 1210. Such delays may be measured by time module 1205, which may, for example, monitor signals transmitted from processor 1208 to transmitter 1210 that cause the transmitter to begin transmitting energy 1240. Accordingly, the time module 1205 can measure the time difference between the energy 1240 being transmitted and the energy 1245 being received. Of course, such a method for measuring the propagation time of energy is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. Returning to FIG. 12, user I/O 1218 can provide user access and/or control to distance sensor 1330 via processor 1208.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a non-stationary handheld device 1340 that measures several distances to surface 1350 in accordance with an implementation. Such movement of the handheld device may occur, for example, when measuring the distance from the first point 1305 on the surface to the distance measured to the second point 1310 on the surface. Perhaps the user's improper holding of the handheld device may result in such movement, and/or the user may perform distance measurements while in motion. Regarding the implementation shown in FIG. 8, the handheld device 1340 can include a cellular phone, a PDA, and the like, and includes a distance sensor 1330. Such a sensor as mentioned above may have a small form factor to enable the sensor to be mated in the handheld device 1340. Such distance sensor 230 can emit acoustic energy and/or EM energy at a plurality of angles to a plurality of distance measuring points on surface 1350, as generally described above.

In a particular implementation, the distance sensor 1330 can include one or more rotatable micro-reflectors mounted on the semiconductor device. Such a rotatable micromirror as explained above may, for example, provide the small form factor mentioned above. Of course, such a description of the distance sensor in conjunction with the handheld device 1340 is merely an example, and the claimed subject matter is not so limited. In an example, the user 1320 can hold the handheld device 1340 toward the surface 1350 to direct the energy beam along the distance D4 to the point 1305 on the surface 1350 to measure the distance D4. The distance sensor 1330 can then redirect the energy beam along a distance D5 to another point 1310 on the surface 1350 to measure the distance along the D5 direction to the surface 1350. In another implementation, the user 1320 can redirect the energy beam to another point 1310 by rotating the handheld device 1340, wherein the handheld device, for example, does not need to include a rotatable reflector. The angle of such redirection can be measured by a transducer that can include angles and/or directions, such as goniometers and/or compasses, that handheld device 1340 can include. In other words, such a transducer can measure the angle at which the handheld device 1340 is rotated from the direction of the first point to the direction of the second point. The distance sensor 1330 can then store such angles.

Handheld device 1340 can be adapted to measure its position using a variety of positioning systems, including, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS), Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), and Global Navigation Satellite, which provide position, speed, and/or time information. Satellite Positioning System (SPS) such as the system (GLONASS). In a particular implementation, the SPS signal can be captured or from a different location technology than the SPS (such as WiFi signal, Bluetooth, RFID, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Wide Area Network (WAN), digital TV and/or cell service area The tower ID, just to name a few examples), provides location information to the handheld device 1340. Such signals may be received, for example, via antenna 1222 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the handheld device 1340 can be adapted to measure the displacement ΔXYZ from the position at which D4 was measured to the position at which D5 was measured. After such a process for measuring the distance D4 and the distance D5, ΔXYZ and the reorientation angle from the first point 1305 to the second point 1310, the distance sensor 1330 can calculate the two points 1305 and 1310 on the surface 1350. The distance between D6. Of course, such processes involving distance sensors are merely examples, and claimed subject matter is not so limited.

The methodologies described herein can be implemented by various means depending on the particular features and/or applications of the examples. For example, such methodologies can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. In a hardware implementation, for example, the processing unit may be in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), on-site Programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronics, or other devices designed to perform the functions described herein and/or combinations thereof are implemented.

For firmware and/or software implementations, the methodologies can be implemented with modules (eg, programs, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine readable medium tangibly embodying instructions can be used to implement the methodologies described herein. For example, a software code representing an electronic signal such as a digital electronic signal can be stored in a memory such as a memory of a mobile station and respectively by a processor 508 or processor 1108 such as in FIG. 5 or FIG. The class's dedicated processor executes. The memory can be implemented inside the processor or external to the processor. As used herein, the term "memory" means any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile or other memory and is not limited to any particular memory type or memory number or memory stored in The type of media on it.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes representing signals on a computer readable medium. Computer readable media includes physical computer storage media. The transmission medium includes physical transmission media. The storage medium can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device or can be used to store instructions or data structures. Any other medium in the form of a desired code that can be accessed by a computer; as used herein, a disk and a disc include a compact disc (CD), a laser disc, a compact disc, and a digital versatile disc (DVD). ), floppy disks and Blu-ray discs, in which the disk usually reproduces data magnetically, while the disk optically reproduces data with laser light. The above combinations should also be included in the scope of computer readable media.

While the present invention has been described and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the claimed subject matter without departing from the central concepts described herein. Therefore, the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the specific examples disclosed, and the scope of the claimed subject matter may be included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

100. . . Distance sensor

110. . . energy

120. . . energy

125. . . slope

130. . . point

140. . . surface

150. . . Emission energy

160. . . Reflected energy

170. . . point

180. . . point

210. . . Handheld device

220. . . surface

230. . . Distance sensor

240. . . user

300. . . process

310. . . Square

320. . . Square

330. . . Square

340. . . Square

350. . . Square

360. . . Square

370. . . Square

380. . . Square

400. . . surface

410. . . line

420. . . line

430A. . . Point / first point / initial point

430B. . . Point/subsequent point

430C. . . Point/subsequent point

430D. . . Point/subsequent point

430E. . . point

440A. . . point

440B. . . point

440C. . . point

440D. . . point

440E. . . point

500. . . Distance sensor

505. . . Time module

508. . . processor

510. . . launcher

515. . . receiver

518. . . User I/O

520. . . Rotatable reflector

525. . . Rotary controller

530. . . Opening

545. . . energy

550. . . surface

600. . . Transmitter system

610. . . launcher

615. . . Light energy

618. . . Wavelength separator

620. . . Micro-reflector array

630. . . beam

635. . . beam

640. . . beam

645. . . beam

650. . . surface

705. . . point

710. . . point

720. . . user

730. . . Distance sensor

740. . . Handheld device

750. . . surface

805. . . The first point

810. . . another point

820. . . user

830. . . Distance sensor

840. . . Handheld device

850. . . surface

900. . . process

910. . . Square

920. . . Square

930. . . Square

940. . . Square

950. . . Square

1000. . . process

1010. . . Square

1020. . . Square

1030. . . Square

1040. . . Square

1050. . . Square

1100. . . Mobile device

1105. . . Time module

1108. . . processor

1110. . . launcher

1115. . . receiver

1118. . . User I/O

1120. . . Rotatable reflector

1122. . . antenna

1125. . . Rotary controller

1128. . . Two-way communication system

1130. . . Opening

1140. . . energy

1145. . . energy

1150. . . surface

1200. . . Mobile device

1205. . . Time module

1208. . . processor

1210. . . launcher

1215. . . receiver

1218. . . User I/O

1220. . . Reflector

1222. . . antenna

1228. . . Two-way communication system

1230. . . Opening

1240. . . energy

1245. . . energy

1250. . . surface

1260. . . Transducer

1305. . . The first point

1310. . . Second point

1320. . . user

1330. . . Distance sensor

1340. . . Handheld device

1350. . . surface

The non-limiting and non-exhaustive features will be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like.

1A is a schematic diagram of a distance sensor for measuring a distance to a surface, according to an implementation.

1B is a schematic illustration of a distance sensor held in an angle relative to a surface that can be measured relative to a distance, according to an implementation.

2 is a diagram of a handheld device that measures several distances to a surface in accordance with an implementation.

3 is a flow chart of a process for determining the shortest distance to a surface, in accordance with an implementation.

4 is a schematic diagram illustrating distance measurement points for shortest distance determination on a surface, according to an implementation.

5 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensor for measuring distances to a plurality of measurement points on a surface, according to an implementation.

6 is a schematic diagram of a transmitter system for simultaneously emitting light energy in multiple directions, according to an implementation.

7 is a diagram of a handheld device that measures several distances to a surface in accordance with an implementation.

8 is a detailed view of a handheld device that measures several distances to a surface in accordance with an implementation.

9 is a flow chart of a process for determining a distance on a distal surface in accordance with an implementation.

10 is a flow chart of a process for determining a distance on a distal surface in accordance with another implementation.

11 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensor for measuring distances to a plurality of measurement points on a surface, according to an implementation.

12 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensor for measuring a distance to a measurement point on a surface, according to an implementation.

13 is a diagram of a non-stationary handheld device that measures several distances to a surface in accordance with an implementation.

210. . . Handheld device

220. . . surface

230. . . Distance sensor

240. . . user

Claims (38)

A method for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, comprising the steps of: rotating a rotatable micro-reflector in a first direction to direct energy to the distal surface, the rotatable a micro-reflector disposed in the mobile device, wherein the rotation is relative to the mobile device; when the rotatable micro-reflector is rotated in the first direction, based at least in part on a source from the distal surface The reflected energy of the directional energy is continuously measured to the distance of the distal surface at different rotation angles; and once the distance of the current measurement is determined to exceed a distance measured by the previous measurement, the direction of the rotation is reversed The rotatable micro-reflector is rotated in a second direction. The method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, further comprising the step of: at least in part based on a rotational angle of the rotatable micro-reflector and the reflected energy A distance between a first point and a second point on the distal surface is measured. The method of claim 2 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the step of measuring the distance between the first point and the second point further comprises the step of rotating the a rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy to the first point; Determining a first distance to the first point; rotating the rotatable micro-reflector by a first angle to project energy to the second point; electronically determining and storing the first angle; determining to the second point a second distance; and using the value of the first distance, the value of the second distance, and the value of the first angle to calculate the distance between the first point and the second point. A method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the rotatable micro-reflector is mounted on a semiconductor device. The method of claim 3 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the step of determining the first angle is using a goniometer and/or a Compass to perform. The method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, further comprising the step of selecting a user control item placed on the mobile device to rotate the rotatable micro-reflector. A method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the rotation is responsive to selecting a user control item placed on the mobile device. A method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the energy comprises sound waves. A method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the energy comprises a light wave. The method of claim 2 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the step of calculating the distance between the first point and the second point further uses a displacement value. A method of claim 10 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein the displacement values are determined based at least in part on a received radio frequency (RF) signal representative of the location information. A method of claim 11 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein the RF signals comprise satellite positioning system signals and/or land based beacons. The method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, further comprising the step of determining, based at least in part on the reflected energy, the closest to the mobile device on the distal surface A distance of a little. The method of claim 13 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the step of determining the distance to the point on the distal surface that is closest to the mobile device further comprises the steps of: Rotating the rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy to a first set of points linearly disposed on the distal surface; determining a distance to an individual point in the first set of points; selecting to the first set of points a relative minimum of the determined distances of the individual points; rotating the rotatable micro-reflector to a linearly arranged second set of points orthogonal to the first set of points on the surface Projecting energy, wherein the second set of points includes a point corresponding to the relative minimum; a distance determined to an individual point in the second set of points; and the determined distances to individual points of the second set of points A relative minimum is selected as a shortest distance to the distal surface. The method of claim 14 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein the step of determining a distance to the first point set and the individual points in the second point set further comprises the steps of: The measurement energy travels to and from the individual points of the first set of points and the second set of points. The method of claim 15 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the step of rotating the rotatable micro-reflector is for the individual points of the plurality of points implemented. A method of claim 16 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein the inverting step is performed in response to an increase in a subsequent measured propagation time. An apparatus for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, comprising: a rotatable micro-reflector for directing energy to the distal surface, wherein the rotation is relative to the device And a processor for continuously measuring the reflected energy at the different rotational angles based at least in part on the reflected energy from the distal surface derived from the directional energy when the micro-reflector is in the first direction a distance from the distal surface, wherein the rotatable micro-reflector is configured to reverse a direction of the rotation such that the rotatable micro-reflector rotates in a second direction to respond to the processor determining a current measurement The distance is determined by a distance beyond the previous measurement. The apparatus of claim 18 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the processor is adapted to be based at least in part on a rotational angle of the rotatable micro-reflector and the reflected energy, A distance between a first point and a second point on the distal surface is measured. The apparatus of claim 18 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the rotatable micro-reflector is mounted in a half-guide On the body device. The apparatus of claim 19 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, further comprising a goniometer and/or a compass for measuring the angle of rotation. The apparatus of claim 18 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface further includes a user control for rotating the rotatable micro-reflector. A device as claimed in claim 18 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the energy comprises sound waves. A device as claimed in claim 18 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the energy comprises light waves. The apparatus of claim 18 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the processor is adapted to determine, at least in part based on the reflected energy, to the remote surface that is closest to the device A distance of a point. A non-transitory computer readable medium for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, the non-transitory computer readable medium including storage The machine readable instructions thereon; when a computing platform executes the machine readable instructions, adapting the machine readable instructions to cause the computing platform to: rotate a rotatable micro-reflector in a first direction To orient energy to the distal surface, the rotatable micro-reflector being placed in the mobile device, wherein the rotation is relative to the mobile device; when the rotatable micro-reflection is rotated in the first direction At least in part, based on the reflected energy from the distal surface derived from the directional energy, continuously measuring the distance to the distal surface at different angles of rotation; once determining that the distance of the current measurement exceeds the previous amount A distance measured, i.e., a direction in which the rotation is reversed, causes the rotatable micro-reflector to rotate in a second direction. A non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 26 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein when the computing platform executes the instructions, the instructions are further adapted to cause the computing platform : measuring a distance between a first point and a second point on the distal surface based at least in part on a rotational angle of the rotatable reflector and the reflected energy. A non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 27 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein when the computing platform executes the instructions, the instructions are further adapted to cause the computing platform Rotating the rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy to the first point; determining a first distance to the first point; Rotating the rotatable micro-reflector at a first angle to project energy to the second point; electronically determining and storing the first angle; determining a second distance to the second point; and using the first distance The value of the second distance, the value of the second distance, and the value of the first angle calculate the distance between the first point and the second point. A non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 26 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the rotatable micro-reflector is mounted on a semiconductor device. A non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 26 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein the energy comprises sound waves. A non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 26 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, wherein the energy comprises light waves. A non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 26 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein when the computing platform executes the instructions, the instructions are further adapted to cause the computing platform : determining a distance to a point on the distal surface that is closest to the mobile device based at least in part on the reflected energy. The request item 32 is used to determine from a mobile device to a distal surface. A non-transitory computer readable medium at a distance, wherein when the computing platform executes the instructions, the instructions are further adapted to cause the computing platform to: rotate the rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy to a linear arrangement a first set of points on the distal surface; determining a distance to an individual point in the first set of points; selecting a relative minimum of the determined distances to the individual points of the first set of points; Rotating the rotatable micro-reflector to project energy to a linearly arranged second set of points orthogonal to the first set of points on the surface, wherein the second set of points includes a corresponding minimum a point; determining a distance to an individual point in the second point set; and selecting a relative minimum of the determined distances to the individual points in the second point set as a shortest distance to the distal surface. a non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 33 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein when the computing platform executes the instructions, the instructions are further adapted to cause the computing platform : Measuring the propagation time of the energy to and from the individual points in the first set of points and the second set of points. a non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in claim 34 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote surface, wherein when the computing platform executes the instructions, the instructions are further adapted to cause the computing platform Responding to an increase in the propagation time measured in succession, causing the rotation to rotate This direction of rotation of the rotating micro-reflector is reversed. A device for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, comprising: means for rotating a rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy to the distal surface, the rotatable micro-reflection a body is placed in the mobile device, wherein the rotation is relative to the mobile device; and for rotating the rotatable micro-reflector in the first direction, based at least in part on a source from the distal surface a member for continuously measuring the distance to the distal surface at different angles of rotation of the reflected energy of the directional energy, wherein the member for rotating is configured to reverse a direction of the rotation such that the rotatable micro The reflector rotates in a second direction to determine the component that should be used for the measurement to determine a distance that the current measurement exceeds a previously measured distance. The method of claim 1 for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface, further comprising the step of rotating the rotatable micro in the second direction after inverting the direction of the rotation In the case of a reflector, the distance to the distal surface is continuously measured continuously at different angles of rotation. A method for determining a distance from a mobile device to a distal surface as claimed in claim 37, wherein the rotatable is rotatable in the first direction The measurement made by the micro-reflector, the measurement made when the rotatable micro-reflector is rotated in the second direction and a small step size between successive measurements (step-size) ) related.